Knutsford Community Champion Winner

The founder of Knutsford’s popular U3A club has been named as the town’s ‘Community Champion’ for 2015.

Managing Partner Colin Lawson recently, along with other judges George Osborne, Carla Flynn and Cllr Neil Forbes, decided that Muriel Robinson deserved to be named as Knutsford Community Champion 2015. 

The U3A movement offers a range of activities and outings for people who have retired and the idea to set up a branch in Knutsford was conceived over a cuppa with Muriel’s neighbours Margaret Weltman and Monica Beswick.

“We were talking to people who were nearing retirement age and they were wondering what they were going to do when they stopped work,” said Muriel, 83, a widow who has two children and six grandchildren.

“I’d heard about U3A and thought it would be ideal for a place like Knutsford.

“The three of us started printing leaflets and posting them through people’s letterboxes to make them aware that the club had been set up. Ten years later we have more than 600 members, 50 groups and the numbers are growing!”

The groups cover a range of interests including walking, reading, wine tasting and art appreciation.

“Members tell me how the group has changed their life and that is very rewarding. Some people live on their own but when you join the U3A you’re not alone anymore. You meet so many people and can join so many different groups.”

After winning the competition Muriel won £250 for herself and £300 for a charity of her choice, the Alzheimers Society.

Colin Lawson, managing partner of Equilibrium Asset Management, congratulated Muriel.

Muriel is certainly a deserving winner of the Community Champion title, her vision for the U3A has brought together new friends, given people the opportunity to try out new hobbies and all this hard work has helped transform the lives of retired people in Knutsford.

I’d also like to congratulate the runners up Philip Balance and the Macmillan Knutsford Committee; Carol Williams, Lyn Mence, Verona Stott and Adrienne Howell for giving up a lot of their time as well as raising money for charity. It was tough competition this year, we really had some fantastic entries.

 I am pleased to say that Equilibrium will be making a £300 donation to the Alzheimer’s Society chosen by Muriel. There is also a well-deserved £250 personal prize for being crowned Knutsford Community Champion 2015 and a £50 prize for Margaret Joscelyne who nominated Muriel.